During a one-day official visit to Sri Lanka, India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar extended an invitation on behalf of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to undertake an official visit to India. The invitation was extended during a courtesy call with President Dissanayake earlier today.
This visit marks Dr. Jaishankar’s first trip to Sri Lanka following the new government’s inauguration, led by President Dissanayake on 22 September. The key objective of the Indian Minister’s visit was to congratulate the new administration and emphasize India’s commitment to deepening its longstanding partnership with Sri Lanka.
In bilateral discussions held with Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, Minister Jaishankar reiterated India’s support for Sri Lanka’s economic recovery and future stability. The talks, which took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, touched on various areas of mutual cooperation, including economic collaboration, development, and regional partnerships.
Minister Jaishankar emphasized that Sri Lanka remains a key focus under India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy, highlighting the significance of continued cooperation between the two nations. Minister Herath also acknowledged India’s crucial role in supporting Sri Lanka’s economic progress.
Dr. Jaishankar was accompanied by senior Indian officials and the Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha, throughout his visit. The dates for President Dissanayake’s official visit to India are yet to be determined.